Guide to Gironde and Properties in Department 33

The Gironde is the largest department in France and home to the famous Bordeaux wine region. Situated within the Nouvelle Aquitaine region it is a diverse area that encompasses rolling countryside, spectacular coastline and vibrant city living. Its Atlantic coast is renowned for having Europe’s tallest sand dune, the Great Dune of Pyla which is close to the sophisticated resort of Arcachon with its fine restaurants and designer boutiques, and the pretty Bay of Arcachon. Gironde also has Europe’s longest beach at Cote d’Argent, which is a haven for surfers who flock to the seaside town of Lacanau to enjoy the sand and waves.  Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and cycling are also very popular in this part of the Gironde, which is perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoor life. The great Gironde estuary, where the rivers Dordogne and Garonne meet, is full of birds and wildlife, marshes and wetlands. The defences of Blaye Citadel, Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc were built here to protect Bordeaux from invasion from the sea. All three are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Inland Gironde is a bounty for foodies and wine lovers.  The famous vineyard regions of Médoc, Pomerol, Saint-Emilion and Sauternes are located here and the area is punctuated by ancient towns with castles, citadels, churches and historic fortifications.

Thanks to its wine heritage, there are some spectacular chateaux around Bordeaux, many of which have been transformed into beautiful luxury homes and boutique hotels, and plenty of which are unloved and waiting to be snapped up and restored. Local restaurants announce the latest seasonal produce which could include rich and ripe tomatoes from Marmande, tender asparagus from Blaye and the celebrated cepes mushrooms. Seafood lovers flock here to taste fresh oysters from the Atlantic coast.  

Bordering onto the departments of Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Dordogne and Charente-Maritime, the Gironde spans an area of 10,000 square kilometres. Its capital, Bordeaux is well-connected to the UK, Europe and the rest of the world thanks to its large international airport which welcomes over 737,500 travellers every month. Bordeaux is also easily accessible by train thanks to a high speed TGV rail link which means the journey between here and Paris takes just over two hours.

Bordeaux itself is a cultural city that has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years and has a cosmopolitan feel despite holding onto its historic charm. The Chartrons business district is a hive of activity midweek but the bustle is tempered by the aristocratic architecture and sophisticated wine bars and restaurants. The city’s Rue Ste Catherine is the main focus for shopping and high street fashion with the Triangle-d’Or area offering something a little more upmarket.

The Gironde offers a superb range of properties, from city centre lofts and centrally located apartments in beautifully converted stone buildings to rural barns, village houses, characteristic flat-fronted Girondine houses and beach villas and chalets.